We are thrilled to welcome 12 school leaders from around the world interested in transforming their learning environments. These dynamic individuals and teams are embarking on a transformative journey to explore and strengthen the conditions for innovation in their communities, guided by Transcend’s Conditions for Innovation framework.

The Spring Cohort, meeting virtually on January 15th, February 26th, and March 26th, will engage deeply with strategies to nurture innovation in education. Participants will assess their local contexts, build leadership capacity, and develop actionable plans to cultivate conditions that support transformative learning environments.

Here’s a closer look at a few of the incredible participants who are joining us:

Corie Fairchild

Corella (Corie) Fairchild Pierson is the school leader and a founding team member of Acton Academy Houston Heights. As of the spring of 2024, she served as the Ignite Studio (ages 8-11) guide at their sister school Acton CyFair where she also served as the Spark Studio (ages 5-7) guide. When asked what her “why” is, she will tell you that she joined the Acton education revolution 3 years ago because she was amazed by the amount of joy the learners exhibit every single day. Her favorite part of the Acton model is the whole child approach which fosters excellence in academics and in self-management, truly setting up each child to thrive throughout their entire lives. Mrs. Corie is a former Houston charter school educator, a graduate of U of H, co-owner of KP & Corie Art and the founder of The Nessa Bug Project. She loves spending time with her husband and their families, traveling and making art!

Carolyn K. Eastman, Ed.S, M.Ed

Carolyn Eastman is a seasoned leader with over 25 years of experience in community engagement, program development, and strategic planning. As the former Director of Personalized Learning at NH Learning Initiative, she spearheaded transformative projects, including expanding the “Future Learning Pathways” initiative and securing significant federal funding for career pathways development. A principal consultant through her firm, EdConnect, Carolyn's career reflects a commitment to healthier, more connected communities. She holds certifications in principalship, curriculum administration, and superintendency, Outside of education, Carolyn started a commercial fishing business with the first Community Supported Fishery in NH.

Annie Holub

Annie Holub has taught every grade from 6th-post-secondary in both district and charter schools in Tucson, AZ for more than 20 years. Currently she teaches Writing as an Adjunct for Pima Community College Online. In 2024 she started Desert Dragon Learning Community, a microschool for neurodivergent middle schoolers. Alongside her career as an educator, Annie is also a freelance writer; lately she's been writing about education, but she spent 14 years writing pretty much only about music for local and national publications.

Bryan Pannill

Bryan Pannill is the co-chair of the 5th Day Department at Crossroads College Prep; he helps design and run the innovative program that centers student voices in interdisciplinary, place- and problem-based learning experiences in St. Louis. He also teaches English and is an active writer and poet.

Marcela Villan

Marcela Villan is an experienced educator from Buenos Aires, Argentina, who specializes in English Language Teaching and Education for Sustainability. She has been teaching Environmental Management and Global Perspectives to 15 to 17 year-old adolescents in a bilingual school in her area for 20 years. With over 30 years in education, she has served as a teacher, coordinator, examiner and teacher trainer . Marcela holds a TESOL certification and a Bachelor’s degree in English Language, and she is a TeachSDGs Ambassador, Global Schools Advocate and Mentor and field facilitator for the Institute for Humane Education in Maine, USA. Passionate about integrating global issues into education, she empowers students and teachers to engage with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Marcela frequently delivers workshops and webinars in her own country and abroad, inspiring educators to foster critical thinking and global citizenship in their classrooms.

Next Charter School Team

Next Charter School, an independent public charter high school established in 2011 in Derry, New Hampshire through a partnership with Derry Cooperative School District (DCSD), pioneers a project-based, competency-driven learning model for high school students. We aim to provide an innovative approach which combines personalized learning plans with rich community engagement experiences. Currently serving 80 students, Next is embarking on an expansion project to serve 100 students by 2027-28, which includes adding 2,200ft² of learning space featuring a media lab and dedicated student/family support areas.

Facilitated by Will Gowen, the expansion project manager, the school is participating in the Innovation Institute with a diverse team including leadership, teachers, and support staff to ensure their expansion maintains their core values of personalized learning and community engagement. This self-assessment and planning process will hopefully help guide our growth while preserving the unique culture that has made Next successful.

Students at Next engage in six-week learning modules, choosing from over 100 project options annually that blend traditional subjects with real-world applications. We have a custom-built competency tracking system, combined with Exhibition and Capstone graduation requirements, that aims to create a self-directed learning environment that prepares students for future success.

Kristah Slate

Kristah and Daniel Slate launched Acton Academy Cy-Fair in 2019 in Houston, TX with 12 learners. Driven by a deep belief that education should be joyful, empowering, and rigorous, Kristah embarked on a mission to create an innovative school. Acton Academy Cy-fair is the embodiment of her vision, providing a dynamic learning environment that nurtures curiosity, critical thinking, and a love for lifelong learning. In 2024, the Slates launched a second campus in central Houston, Acton Academy Heights. Between the two campuses, there are over 100 learners.

With a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Baylor University, Kristah combines her passion for education and her expertise in business to revolutionize the way we approach learning. Kristah has a diverse background encompassing business, marketing, and education. Her unwavering passion for God, family, Acton Academy, connections, and community drives her every endeavor. She serves as Head of School and has served as a guide with a variety of age groups at Acton Cy-Fair. Being a part of the Acton Network holds immense value for Kristah. She is grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow alongside like-minded people , sharing experiences, best practices, and insights. Her dedication to the Acton mission is reflected in her involvement as a multi-session guide squad leader and her leadership role as the leader of the Acton Houston City Cluster with seven other self-directed schools. She embraces the incredible journey of lifelong learning and growth, positively impacting the lives of families in Houston, and hopes to contribute more to the self-directed learning community and innovative outdoor educational program opporunituties.

With her infectious enthusiasm, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to student-centered learning, Kristah Slate is transforming the educational landscape through Acton Academy Cyfair and Acton Academy Houston Heights. Her unwavering dedication to bringing joy and rigor back to education serves as an inspiration to educators and students alike, igniting a passion for learning that will shape the leaders of tomorrow.

Kristah's dedication to education extends beyond the classroom. She is dedicated to investing in her team of guides and supporting each guide on their hero’s journey. She actively engages and equips parents through quarterly events and book studies, fosters strong community partnerships, and mentors and coaches aspiring young people and entrepreneurs to change the world.

The Slates have four children ranging in age from 13-19 years old. Their families enjoys nature and travel.

Join Us in Shaping the Future

The work of this Cohort demonstrates the power of collaboration and strategic action in shaping the future of education. We’re excited to support these leaders as they pave the way for meaningful transformation in their schools and communities.

Interested in learning more or joining a future Cohort? Visit our website or reach out to Dr. Caleb Collier (caleb@selfdirect.school) to secure your spot.

Stay tuned for updates and stories from our Spring Cohort’s journey!

Meet the Inspiring Leaders of Our Spring Cohort: Creating Pathways for Innovation